Moms Talk: How To Deal With Cyberbullying

Each week in Moms Talk, the Haverford-Havertown Patch’s Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question:

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Denise (mother of 1): Bullying has always been an issue for children, but cyberbullying is the newest way for children to tease their peers.  The bullies find it easier to pick on their peers through e-mail, text or social Web sites.  I think children need to be educated about cyberbullying.  They need to know that it will not be tolerated and should tell a teacher, guidance counselor, parent, older sibling  or anyone they feel comfortable sharing information with so they can help.  I also think that in certain circumstances, these bullies should be punished, especially since everything they text or put on their computer can be tracked.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Emily (mother of 2): This is a tough issue. It's something that didn't exist when we were children.  I think that you could start by blocking the sender from sending your child anything further.  If necessary, I would involve higher authorities like the parents or the school.  Most importantly, let your child know you are there for them and will help them get through and stop the bullying.

Answer from Mom’s Councilmember Julie (mother of 3): Since they are so young now, I will start the foundation for being open and honest in regards to any kind of bullying. If anybody is making my children feel bad in person or online, I have told them that they need to tell me. I am specifically thinking about my oldest though, he is 9 years old and has come across different kinds of bullying. We have talked about it and talked about the different ways that he could handle it.  I am hoping that keeping that door open, when (or if) any of my children come across cyber bullying, they could approach me with those feelings.